It was a race against the clock.
In 2017, Texas became the 11th state in history to pass the COS resolution for an Article V convention. Unfortunately, that resolution was set to expire later this month.
That put the team in an uncomfortable position. Would the Lone Star State lapse in its support for COS?
Would we lose one of our “passed states”?
No. Of course not!
Given what we knew about our Texas grassroots team — that resolute band of legislative tacticians and principled activists — we had no reason for concern. Their unwavering commitment assured us that they would not rest until the Texas legislature had once again affirmed its support for COS.
After a long week in the Texas Capitol, we’re pleased to report that that day has finally arrived. On May 8, 2025, eight years after Texas initially voted to join the COS movement, the state formally adopted a clean Article V application with no expiration date, solidifying Texas’s long-term commitment to the cause. As in 2017, the grassroots were vital to making this happen.
“I cannot overstate the strength and dedication of our Texas grassroots,” said Convention of States President Mark Meckler. “The American spirit of 1776 and the unwavering resolve of Texans seen in the Immortal 32 at the Alamo live on in this extraordinary team. Their tireless, often unseen efforts made today’s victory possible. Because of their work, Texas once again stands as a shining beacon of liberty, hope, and inspiration for the entire nation.”
After the new bill — House Joint Resolution (HJR) 98 — passed through the Texas House of Representatives and Senate State Affairs Committee, Senator Brian Birdwell, a 9/11 survivor and longtime COS champion, suspended Senate rules to force a vote on the measure before the chamber adjourned for a long weekend.
Much like Representative Cody Vasut, our sponsor in the House, Senator Birdwell delivered a compelling and articulate defense of the bill. Subsequently, his colleagues voted 17-14 to pass the measure, marking final passage for the COS application.
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For members of the team, some of whom have been working on this project for over a decade, it was an emotional win. But it wasn’t easy. As the state’s Legislative Liaison, John Van Compernolle, explained, “Despite the many mistakes, setbacks, panic attacks, and worries, once again, the good Lord guided enough of our steps and hearts to produce success.”
This victory will send lasting ripple effects through the pages of history, shaping the course of future generations. “I do what I do because I have children and grandchildren, and I want to leave them a better place,” one Texas volunteer explained earlier this week. After today, thanks to the team’s dedication and effort, we’re one Texas-sized step closer to realizing that goal.
“It has been a long road for us to get to this moment,” said Regional Director Jonathan Viaud. “I know how hard the Texas team has worked to get to this point, and I could not be more thankful for each and every one of them.”
“It’s a team victory,” he added. “Between emails and phone calls over the last day, senators in Texas got 600 contacts from our supporters. That just goes to show you how much of an impact our grassroots had on this. This is a true, complete, total victory for our grassroots there in Texas, and I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
This is a breaking story. Refresh for updates.
